Liam Neeson Joins Korea’s ‘Operation Chromite’ As General MacArthur

BUSAN — Liam Neeson is play the role of U.S. Army General Douglas MacArthur in “Operation Chromite” (a.k.a. “Incheon Landing Operation”), a Korean-made blockbuster set during the Korean War of the early 1950s.

The film is to be produced by South Korea’s Taewon Entertainment. It will be directed by Lee Jae-han, and scripted by Lee Man-hee, who both have war film experience with hit “71: Into the Fire”.

Although Chinese movies are increasingly incorporating Hollywood talent, it is rare in Korea. Neeson has had a career revival following box office success with “The Grey,” “Taken,” “Battleship” and “The Lego Movie.”

“Operation Chromite” focuses on the heroic Korean troopers who carried out the covert “X-ray” operation that preceded the Incheon landing operation in the Yellow Sea. The landing shifted the momentum of the Korean War.

“We plan to go into the production in late September with a production cost of 15 billion won (US$12.62 million),” Taewon boss Jeong Tae-won told news agency Yonhap. He expects to hold a promo event on Sept. 15, the anniversary of the Incheon Landing.

A company spokesperson told Variety that “Operation” is preparing to start shooting in the second half of this year, aiming to release it in the first half of 2016. Production will take place in South Korea, with Neeson flying in for filming.

Other roles have not been cast, though top stars Lee Jung-jae (“Assassination”), Hyun Bin (“The Fatal Encounter”) are known to have received the script for the role of the leader of the South Korean intelligence unit. Another, Lee Beom-su (“The Beauty Inside”) is being considered for the role of the North Korean elite officer.

What wonderful news! ….and what better person than Liam Neeson, both in stature and ability, to bring a keen sensibility and long-needed complexity to the mercurial presence that was MacArthur in a day of fear, doublestandards, and viciousness, both within and without both the military and political cultural scenes of the day. As far as Korean talent, the Korean sensibility will also present a quite unique perspective on the awe – and fear – of a country and a people caught between “Two Great Powers” and struggling to retain their own fierce love of country, culture. life and deep friendships, in a frightening and fearsome time.

Bravo, Liam! Please sing “Take me Back” by Van Morrison, (or at least play it on your favourite stereo set) for all the wonderful fisher people on Song-Doh Beach in Pusan….and tell them I miss and think of them all, always, would you? There’s a dear……lol. There’s nothing quite like empassioned singing after a long day’s work together…….xo Especially when the bus home is late, because it was so packed, and you had to wait for the next one!) Grin…..God Bless all of you, always! xo